Discussions By Condition: I cannot get a diagnosis.

White Matter?

My MRI results said "there are periventricular multiple white matter hyperintensities seen..." "There is hyperintense signal seen in the pons." Also, ..."multiple nonspecific nonenhancing foci of subcortical white matter signal abnormalities. What is this and what does it mean? I am scheduled to see a neurologist soon. Thanks for helping me. L:confused:

2 Replies:

Okay, since I haven't the benefit of directly examining the imaging study, it would be helpful if you would tell me what symptoms are present that led your doctors to perform the MRI study. The non-specific and non-enhancing foci in one aspect of the description can be due to some older microvascular lesions in the subcortical region that can occur in some folks and doesn't necessarily constitute anything serious and is most often asymptomatic. Depending upon your age and medical history, the chance for this to occur is increased. Periventricular white matter intensities are also common in persons that are somewhat older in age and is typically observed in persons with a history of hypertension. The consequence of leaking at the periventricular white matter is that is tends to compress the motor fibers which can, but not always, result in movement problems. Again, this is a rather unremarkable finding depending upon age and medical history. The intensity at the level of the pons would be more clinically relevant, again depending upon your symptoms that led to peforming the MRI study. Once you can provide me with more information, I'll be able to discuss the findings in more depth with you. Best regards, J Cottle, MD

Dr. Cottle, thank you for answering my post. Symptoms include: at the time I was admitted to the hospital last month, I was experiencing blurred vision and double vision, (this happens 1-2 times per week, lasting a few minutes or so), but this time, it lasted for 24 hours or so. Next was the weakness in my right arm to include right hand tremors. And very weak and not being able to stand for short period of time. This prompted a hospital visit. My symptoms for the last year or so include, blurred vision lasting a few minutes, tingling arms and/or hands (sometimes one sometimes both), frequent and urgent urinating (almost unable to hold), difficulting going down stairs, and EXTREME fatigue. It's all I can do to get home from work, and lay on the couch for a while. I feel OK in the morning, but around lunch time or so, I am extremely tired, not necessarily sleepy, but exhausted. My blood pressure has been up lately 140/86. Normal is ~116/70. My Vitamin D level is 14.8. That's it for now. Thank you, once again, for answering. L